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rcreff Author

Level 1

10 points

Dual display over usb c on new MacBook 2016

I'm trying to get 1 usb c cable out of our new 2016 MacBook to drive to external displays (not mirrored but extended). Ever dock I look at that has 2x outs says that the new MacBook can only mirror two displays. See except below. Has anyone been able to do this? I would appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks so much!

Rob

http://www.macworld.com/article/3162727/macbook-accessories/caldigit-usb-c-dock- review-a-full-featured-usb-c-dock-with-b…

CalDigit’s dock supports up to the 4096 x 2160 pixel resolution at 60Hz maximum on the MacBook Pro. But as noted above, it can’t drive two external monitors as distinct displays through its two ports.

The company says that stems from a choice Apple made in implementing multi-stream transport (MST). MST differs from single-stream, in that it allows multiple distinct video desktops to pass over a single connection. This manifests itself both as monitors that combine two streams into a single display, and as adapters like this one that can split two desktop signals to appear on two separate displays.

While Apple says its 2015 and later MacBook Pro models can handle an MST display, handling two displays is off the table for now. CalDigit says a specific MST function called “MST hub” is not turned on in macOS, but believes Apple could enable it later. With Windows, the dock can drive two separate external displays on a capable Windows system.

Posted on Feb 17, 2017 11:03 AM

Top-ranking reply

Nev369

Level 1

13 points

Posted on May 7, 2017 8:37 PM

This is simple.

Use something cheap like this Lenovo USB 3.0 Dock
Connect said dock to your new mac with a USB C to B cable like this one
Download Display Link drivers
Connect two monitors to the USB Dock
Enjoy a single cable solution while extending (not just mirroring) to two separate displays

All this without any need for snark towards people that are simply trying to help you too!

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23 replies

Lanny

Level 6

13,207 points

Aug 3, 2017 7:51 PM in response to rcreff

Everyone needs to clearly identify their Mac models. This is the forum area for the 12" Retina MacBook, but clearly most of you are talking about MacBook Pros.

The capabilities working with external monitors are quite different. And, the 12" MacBooks don't support Thunderbolt at all.

KRJoseph

Level 1

4 points

Sep 11, 2017 1:50 PM in response to Nev369

Yes, this works using a PC display link "dock." I got the cable and tried on a couple different display link devices at my office. The only downside is, my 2012 MacBook Retina doesn't charge when connected. But I was able to see 3 monitors, my 2 external and my Macbook. Just need to find solution for charging, like a usb-c hub or something.

jmrthms

Level 1

4 points

Sep 15, 2017 3:18 PM in response to rcreff

Hey rcreff, I created the following video explaining how to connect 2 monitors into the 2015/2016 MacBook 12. I hope this video helps you! Apple MacBook (2015) Dual Monitor Setup - Revisited - YouTube

4foster

Level 1

4 points

Oct 9, 2017 8:24 AM in response to Nev369

Hi Nev369,

I followed your instructions and now have my two Asus monitors in extended view. I was very frustrated moving from my Microsoft Surface Book and dock where it was easy to a 2016 Macbook Pro and it wouldn't work! I followed your directions and purchased the Diamond Multimedia Ultra Dock Dual Video USB 3.0/2.0 Universal Docking Station with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI and DVI Outputs Audio Input and output for Laptop, Ultrabook, Macbook, Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP,Mac OS and Android 5.0 and higher. Display Link Certified, DL- 3900 Chip. this was the cheapest option I could find in the UK and it worked like a dream! Thank you!

Dec 6, 2017 2:59 PM in response to rcreff

I have an early 2016 MacBook. I wanted to have access to more ports. Following @kenmaryj Apr 23, 2017, 1:30 AM post, I tried the Diamond Multimedia Ultra Dock Dual Video USB 3.0/2.0 Universal Docking Station (DS3900V2). I drive a hp EliteDisplay E242 and a hp Pavilion 27xw through this docking station.

It comes with the necessary cables. Just make sure, that sometimes even after downloading the display link drivers, the monitor doesn't light up. If that happens, right after installing, when it prompts to restart, DO NOT Restart.

Open system preferences --> security and privacy --> general tab --> there will be a allow button which will suggest DisplayLink driver is blocked --> click allow.

Then go back to the installation window and click Restart. The monitor should light up after your machine boots up!

akgoode

Level 1

4 points

Jul 16, 2017 3:59 PM in response to kenmaryj

How did you end up charging the computer with this setup? I assume power doesn't come through from the dock. I'm really interested in mimicking this setup.

akgoode

Level 1

4 points

Jul 16, 2017 4:42 PM in response to MrShrader

Really nice to know it can all come through the USB3 in the splitter. Thanks for the help!

jpessa

Level 1

4 points

Nov 2, 2017 5:59 AM in response to Nev369

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Dual display over usb c on new MacBook 2016